Method for tracking and controlling grainy and fluid bulk goods in stream-oriented transportation process using rfid devices

ABSTRACT

A method and system for tracking non-discrete goods. The method includes inserting a first identification device into a non-discrete good, detecting the first identification device within the non-discrete good, and determining a characteristic of the non-discrete good from the first identification device. The system includes a plurality of identification devices having characteristics similar to a non-discrete good, and a set of sensors to detect the plurality of identification devices and determine a characteristic of the non-discrete good based on the identification devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 11/754,913, filed on May 29, 2007, entitled “Method for Tracking andControlling Grainy and Fluid Bulk Goods in Stream-OrientatedTransportation Process Using RFID Devices”, which is incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the invention relate to the tracking of goods in asupply chain or transportation system. Specifically, the inventionrelates to the tracking of non-discrete goods using embedded sensorswithin a supply chain or transportation system.

2. Background

Supply chain management often utilizes tags and tracking devices totrack the movement and location of discrete goods. Discrete goods arethose goods that are packaged or have a form and size that allows forthe placement of a tag or device on the good. For example, discretegoods include boxed items, such as toys, or loose items, such as a tireor clothing. A tag or device may be affixed to the box or loose itemallowing the box or item to be tracked.

Tags and tracking devices include an identification number oralphanumeric sequence. A tag can have an identifier printed on it orencoded on it. For example, a bar code may be printed on the tag. Atracking device stores data such as identification information in amemory or the information is hardwired into the device. For example, aradio frequency identification (RFID) device includes an identificationnumber. Some tags and tracking devices can also store additionalinformation about the associated good including properties of the good,ownership, routing and location data. Alternatively, a database canstore this information, which may be accessed by a lookup using theidentifier from the tag or tracking device. This system can only be usedfor discrete goods because the tags and tracking devices must be printedon or affixed to a surface of a good. Non-discrete goods such asunpackaged grains, gases, liquids and similar substances do not have asurface of sufficient size to have a tag or tracking device printed onor affixed to them.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include a method and system for trackingnon-discrete goods. The method includes inserting a first identificationdevice into a non-discrete good, detecting the first identificationdevice within the non-discrete good, and determining a characteristic ofthe non-discrete good from the first identification device. The systemincludes a plurality of identification devices having characteristicssimilar to a non-discrete good, and a set of sensors to detect theplurality of identification devices and determine a characteristic ofthe non-discrete good based on the identification devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings inwhich like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted thatdifferent references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure arenot necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean atleast one.

FIG. 1 is diagram of one embodiment of a system for trackingnon-discrete goods.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of one embodiment of the tracking system fortracking a non-discrete product as it is transported.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of one embodiment of the tracking system foridentifying a non-discrete product when it arrives at a destination.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for tracking anon-discrete good.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a non-discrete goodidentification process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for securedtracking of a non-discrete good.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods

FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods that marks the separation between goods.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods that marks the separation between goods orquantities.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods that tracks the density or proportion of atransported set of non-discrete goods.

FIGS. 10A-C are diagrams of one embodiment of a system for tracking anamount of a non-discrete good being transported where the system iscapable of detecting the addition or loss of a portion of thenon-discrete good.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for routingnon-discrete goods using the tracking system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for detectingimproperly mixed non-discrete goods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is diagram of one embodiment of a system for trackingnon-discrete goods. In one embodiment, the system includes a trackingdevice 101 or similar identification device. The tracking device 101 isdesigned to be placed within a non-discrete good and to communicate witha read/write device 103 for the purposes of tracking the transportationof the non-discrete good that the tracking device 101 is to be insertedinto. The tracking device 101 may be of any size or shape. In oneembodiment, the tracking device 101 has properties similar to those ofthe non-discrete good into which it is to be inserted. The trackingdevice 101 has a similar size, weight or shape to the particles thatmake up the non-discrete good. For example, a tracking device 101 has asimilar size and shape to a grain it is to track or has a density tomatch a liquid it is to be transported within.

The tracking device 101 communicates with a reader device 103 or similardevice through any communication method, medium or protocol. In oneembodiment, the tracking device 101 communicates wirelessly throughradio frequency, infrared or similar wireless technology. In anotherembodiment, the tracking device 101 communicates electrically throughdirect contact or connection. The tracking device 101 may use anywireless or wired communication technology, including 801.11 b/g,Bluetooth, Ethernet, Firewire, universal serial bus (USB) or similartechnology. In one example embodiment, the tracking device 101 is aradio frequency identification device (RFID device). For sake ofclarity, many of the examples described herein utilize an RFID trackingdevice. However, one skilled in the art would understand that a trackingdevice and read/write device or similar sensor system using anycommunication mechanism can be substituted for the RFID tracking deviceand the described sensors.

In one embodiment, the tracking device 101 stores data. The trackingdevice 101 can be designed to carry any amount of data. The trackingdevice 101 may include memory circuits and components such aselectronically erasable program only memories (EEPROM), flash memory,dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM)and similar types of memory. The tracking device 101 communicates withthe reader device 105 to provide information stored in the memoryregarding the non-discrete good, the tracking device itself, and othertracked data. The data can include characteristics of the non-discretegood associated with the tracking device, such as quantity, type,origin, destination and similar information.

In one embodiment, the tracking device 101 includes a power source suchas an internal battery, a mechanical potential (e.g., a wind up deviceor movement induced device) or similar source of power. In anotherembodiment, the tracking device 101 relies on external power providedwirelessly or through a wire or similar physical connection to anexternal device.

The system includes a read/write device 103. The read/write device 103can be any fixed, portable or handheld device capable of receiving datafrom or transmitting data to a tracking device 103. The read/writedevice 103 includes a processor and memory to execute an application forcollecting and managing data related to tracking non-discrete goods. Theread/write device 103 is capable of communicating with other deviceswirelessly or through a wired system. The read/write device 103 maycommunicate through 801.11 b/g, RF, infrared or similar communicationtechnologies. The read/write device 103 can also communicate with acentral server or other parts of the system through a network 105. Inone embodiment, communication with the central server is through the useof the same mediums and protocols as the read/write device 103 uses forcommunicating with and retrieving data from the tracking device. Inanother embodiment, read/write device 103 uses a different medium andprotocol for communication with the central server than was used by theread/write device 103 for communicating with and retrieving data fromthe tracking device 101.

In one embodiment, a network 105 is used for communication between thecentral server 107 and the read/write device 103. The network 105 is anytype of network including a local area network, wide area network, theInternet or similar network. In another embodiment, any number oftracking devices or read/write devices each set up separatecommunication links to the central server 107. In a further embodiment,any number of servers are utilized to collect data and service queriesfor each read/write device or tracking device. Each server may manage orutilize different data or each may utilize the same data. For example,some servers handle data related to a particular tracking devices ortype of data (e.g., shipping data, location data, characteristics data).The server 107 includes a set of processors and memory devices toexecute applications that manage and collect tracking and non-discretegood data.

In one embodiment, the system includes a workstation 109, desktop,laptop or similar computer. The workstation computer 109 includes a setof software, processors and memory devices to execute an applicationthat allows a user to access, view or manage tracking data and datarelated to the characteristics of the non-discrete goods. Any number ofworkstations can access, view or manage the data. The workstation 109can access data stored at the server 107 or at the read/write device103.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of one example embodiment of the tracking systemtracking a non-discrete product as it is transported. In this example, anon-discrete good (e.g., grain) is being transported. The non-discretegood can be unpackaged, loosely packaged, moved between containers orsimilarly transported such that a tracking indicator or device that istypically adhered to or printed onto a good cannot be utilized. Forexample, grain 203 is poured into loose packaging such as bags andtransported on a conveyor belt 205. In other embodiments thenon-discrete good can be transported via piping, chutes or similarconveyances. The non-discrete good may similarly be transported withoutpackaging, temporarily packaged or loosely packaged.

Tracking devices 201 are inserted into the non-discrete good at anystage of its transportation. The tracking device 201 is chosen that hasproperties such as size, weight, dimensions and similar properties tothe non-discrete good. In one embodiment, the tracking device 201 ishard wired or pre-programmed to transmit an identifier. In anotherembodiment, the tracking device 201 is activated or programmed afterinsertion into the non-discrete good. The tracking device's identifieris tracked in a database that maintains data related to the shipmentinformation and characteristics of the non-discrete good.

In one embodiment, a read/write device 207 is positioned along the pathof the non-discrete good to detect tracking devices 201B. The read/writedevice 207 detects the tracking device 201B and stores data relating tothe non-discrete good in its memory or sends data relating to thenon-discrete good to a server. For example, the location of thenon-discrete good, an estimated delivery time, a rate of movement orsimilar data related to the non-discrete good can be updated in theread/write device or server memory based on the detection and thereceipt of information by the read/write device 207.

In one embodiment, the read/write device 207 also sends data to thetracking device 201B. The read/write device 207 sends identificationinformation, location information, shipping information or similarinformation to the tracking device 201B to be stored within the trackingdevice 201B. The data is stored in a flash memory, electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM) or similar memory devices withinthe tracking device 201B. The data can be updated any number of times byany number of read/write devices.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of one embodiment of the tracking systemidentifying a non-discrete product when it arrives at a destination. Inthe example embodiment, the non-discrete good 201C can be transported byany number of modes of transport. The non-discrete good 201C may remainunpackaged, be packed, repackaged or be similarly transported. Aread/write device 209 is used to access data in the tracking device 201Cor to determine the tracking device 201C identifier to update datarelated to the non-discrete good associated with the identifier. Forexample, the bagged grain 201C is transported to a destination locationby truck 211. Personnel at the destination check the grain 201C withread/write devices 209. Data from the read/write devices 209 is sent toa central server where the receipt of the grain is recorded in inventoryand similar supply chain management systems. An origin of thenon-discrete good may be determined from accessing data from thetracking device and/or looking data up at the server. An origin may beconfirmed by comparison between tracking devices in the non-discretegood. If any number of tracking devices have conflicting origins, thenthe origins of the goods may be questionable.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for tracking anon-discrete good. In one embodiment, the process of tracking anon-discrete good is initiated by the insertion of a tracking deviceinto the non-discrete good (block 301). Any number of tracking devicecan be inserted into the non-discrete good. Each of the tracking deviceshas a separate identifier or each tracking device shares an identifieror set of identifiers. As used herein, a set may refer to any positivewhole number of items including one item. Identifiers can be sharedamongst sets of similar or related items.

The tracking devices are placed in any portion of the non-discrete goodand positioned at any location in the non-discrete good relative toother tracking devices. In one embodiment, tracking devices are spacedapart from one another at discrete distances to allow the detection of arate of movement or to improve the likelihood that a device will betaken with any portion of the non-discrete good that is separated fromthe remainder of the non-discrete good or for similar reasons.

The tracking device is preprogrammed to include identifier informationor is programmed during use to include identifier information. Thetracking device can also be programmed or hardwired to include otherinformation about the non-discrete good or its shipment such asinformation about the characteristics of the non-discrete good or itsshipping route.

In one embodiment, after or before a set of tracking devices areinserted into a non-discrete good, the non-discrete good is insertedinto the stream of commerce (block 303). The non-discrete good can beinserted into the stream of commerce by shipping or transporting thenon-discrete good to a warehouse, retailer or similar location. Thenon-discrete good can be transported in any form or by any mode oftransportation. The tracking device has properties, such as size, weightand density that match or conform to the properties of the non-discretegood so that it is transported with the non-discrete good in the samemanner as the non-discrete good.

After the non-discrete good has entered the stream of commerce it istracked by using a read/write device to detect the tracking devices(block 305). The read/write device accesses the data or identifierprovided by the tracking device. The read/write device requests all or aportion of the data stored or wired into the tracking device throughwireless communication protocol or wireline communication protocol orcombinations thereof.

In one embodiment, data is received in response to the request from theread/write device (block 307). The data is received through any wirelessor wireline protocol or technology. Any amount of data can be providedby the response. The data describes the identifier associated with thenon-discrete good or any set of characteristics of or informationregarding the non-discrete good. In another embodiment, the data iscontinuously accessible from tracking device.

The read/write device or the devices in communication with theread/write device can determine the identification or characteristicinformation for an item from amongst the received data (block 309). Inone embodiment, the identifier or a whole of the characteristic data isretrieved by the read/write device. This data is then used to look upother similar or related data. For example, an identifier is used tolookup a particular non-discrete good property, shipping information orsimilar information that has been previously stored in a database andassociated with the identifier. In another embodiment, only a subset ofthe available data is retrieved from the device specific to the requestfrom the read/write device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a non-discrete goodidentification process. In one embodiment, the process is initiated whena read/write device detects a tracking device transmitting data (block401). Tracking devices may continuously transmit data or mayintermittently transmit data that can be detected and received by aread/write device. In one embodiment, the read/write device stores thedata received from the tracking device and processes the data to presentit to the user. For example, the read/write device aggregates trackingdata or compares new tracking data to previously received tracking dataand generates a display of the aggregate or comparison info. In anotherembodiment, the data is collected and stored without display for a user.For example, the tracking data is received from the tracking device,stored in the read/write device, and then sent to a central server.

The read/write device forwards the collected data to a remote server(block 403). The read/write device continuously sends data to the serveras it is received or intermittently transmits data to the server. Ifcommunication with the sever is not available, then the read/writedevice may store the data until communication with the server isreestablished. The read/write device sends the data to the server in theform that it was received or sends processed data to the server.

The server receives this data and adds it to a database (block 405). Thedatabase can be any type of data storage system including a set of flatfiles, a file system, a relational database or similar data managementsystem. Data received from multiple read/write devices is aggregated orotherwise stored in the database system maintained by the server.Multiple servers and databases are maintained to backup the stored dataor to divide the data to be processed by different applications orimprove availability of the data.

Data maintained by the server is accessed and managed by workstations orsimilar machines in communication with the server (block 407). Theserver manages multiple workstations accessing the stored data to ensuredata coherency and availability. The workstation user can alter ormanipulate the data using any number of software applications,utilities, plug-ins or similar programs. For example, supply chainmanagement software can access the data to track the movement of thenon-discrete goods through the supply chain.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for securedtracking of a non-discrete good. In one embodiment, the tracking devicesdo not continuously transmit tracking data or are not accessible ordetectable without authorization being received from a secure read-writedevice. The secure system is used to track the movement of non-discretegoods to prevent theft, unauthorized use, tampering or similaractivities. This system or a similar system can also be used to conservebattery power for the tracking devices by diminishing the number oftimes that the tracking device must transmit data thereby reducing theamount of power consumed.

In one embodiment, the read/write device transmits an authentication keythat may be received by a dormant tracking device (block 501). Theauthentication key may then be checked for authenticity by the trackingdevice (block 503). Any authentication system or technologies can beutilized to perform the authentication. Example authentications systemsinclude unidirectional authentication of read/write devices at thetracking device using a reusable secret key, a single-use key out of asecret sequence of keys or a time-dependent key to prevent device fromunauthorized detection. If the received authentication key is notverified, then the tracking device will remain dormant and await thereception of further authentication keys (block 501).

After the tracking device has left the dormant state, an additionalbidirectional authentication using a proprietary or standardized method(e.g. Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) and itssuccessor DIAMETER, in particular Diameter Mobile IPv4 Application(MobileIP, RFC 4004) can be used to prevent read/write devices frombeing confused by illegally or improperly injected tracking devices.

If the received authentication key is verified, then the tracking devicesends an acknowledgement signal (block 505). Once an acknowledgementsignal is received by the read/write device then the read/write devicerequests data from the tracking device. The tracking deviceauthenticates the read/write device for different levels of access todata. The tracking device may refuse requests for data that theauthentication does not allow for. For example, the tracking device mayrecognize multiple levels of user access, such as a user level andadministrator level. A user level of access does not permit access toall of the data that an administrator level allows. Any number ofdifferent levels of access can be supported by the tracking device andread/write device. Alternatively, the tracking device can be activatedand begin transmitting data once the key has been authenticated.

Upon receiving authentication the read/write device sends a request tothe tracking device for data (block 507). In one embodiment, thetracking device provides data to the read/write device in response tothe request (block 509). The tracking device provides only those dataelements that are requested or may provide all data available or adefined subset of available data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of one example embodiment of a. tracking system fornon-discrete goods. In one embodiment, a pipeline, conveyor belt orsimilar transportation conduit moves a non-discrete good from a firstlocation to a second location. To track the movement of the non-discretegood a set of tracking devices 601 is inserted into the conveyance.Tracking devices are inserted individually 603 at defined intervals oftime, after defined movement of the non-discrete good or under similarconditions.

A read/write device 605 initializes the tracking devices 603 as they areinserted into the conveyance. The read/write device 605 writes time,location, an identifier and similar data to the tracking device. Asecond read/write device 607 subsequently checks each tracking device asit passes along the conveyance and sends the data from the trackingdevice to a material tracking system or similar central sever system.The data at the material tracking system is intermittently updated byadditional read/write devices 611 along the route of the conveyance. Thenon-discrete good reaches a destination such as a storage container 615or similar holding mechanism. A read/write device 613 near thedestination logs each of the tracking devices as they reach thedestination and sends updated tracking information to the materialtracking system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods that marks the separation between goods. In oneembodiment, the tracking devices are used in a pipeline 701 or similarsystem. The pipeline is utilized to transport fluids, gases or similarsubstances. The tracking devices are embedded within separators that areutilized to separate and facilitate transport of different materialsthrough a pipeline and prevent the mixture of the different materials.The tracking of the separators using the tracking devices allows for thetracking of the location of each material within the pipeline. Theseparators each pass read/write devices 703 along the pipeline thatupdate a central system tracking the movement of goods through thepipeline.

In one embodiment, tracking devices are placed within the material inaddition to the separators. The tracking devices within the material areused to detect the loss, tampering or alteration of the materials withinthe pipeline. If a tracking device within the material is lost it mayindicate that a portion of the material has been lost. The amount ofmaterial lost is likely to be proportionate to the number of trackingdevices lost.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods that marks the separation between goods orquantities. In one embodiment, tracking devices 801A-801D are used todemarcate boundaries within a conveyance between different goods,quantities, units, owners or similar characteristics of the non-discretegoods being transported. Each tracking device 801A-801D is used todetect the start and end point for separate units or charges 803A-803Dof goods. The tracking devices 801A-801D have physical properties thatensure that they move at the same speed relative to the adjoiningcharges to ensure that a relatively accurate marking of the boundary ismaintained. This information can be used to package or route differentcharges to different locations or similarly differentiate the processingof the different charges.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of one embodiment of a tracking system fornon-discrete goods that tracks the density or proportion of atransported set of non-discrete goods. In one example embodiment,tracking devices are used to indicate changing properties of thenon-discrete goods being transported through a conveyance or conduit. Inone example, two or more materials are mixed together in a pipeline. Therelative proportion of the two materials changes. Tracking devices901A-901C are used to mark the changes in the relative proportions orconcentrations. In one example, a first tracking device 901A marks aportion of the non-discrete goods that is 100% a first good 903A. Asecond tracking device marks a portion of the non-discrete goods that is50% a first good and 50% a second good 903B. A third tracking device901C marks a portion of the non-discrete goods that is 100% the secondgood 903C.

FIGS. 10A-C are diagrams of one embodiment of a system for tracking theamount a non-discrete good being transported that is capable ofdetecting the addition or loss of a portion of the non-discrete good. InFIG. 10A, quantities of non-discrete goods are tracked using trackingdevices. Tracking devices 1003A-1003F are inserted into the conveyanceor conduit for transporting the non-discrete goods at discreteintervals. Each tracking device stores data indicating the distance tothe preceding or subsequent tracking device or the quantities of anon-discrete good 1001A-1001G between the tracking devices. In oneembodiment, the tracking devices are programmed with this information atthe time they are inserted into the non-discrete good. The informationstored may be based on actual measurement or approximation of thedistance between tracking devices or the amount of the good between thetracking devices. In another embodiment, the tracking devices arepre-programmed or hard-wired to indicate a distance or amount of good.The insertion is then timed to place the tracking devices in theappropriate position based on their stored data.

FIG. 10B is a diagram of an example of lost materials being detected bythe system. A portion of the non-discrete good 1001E has been lost. As aresult, tracking devices 1003D and 1003E are closer together than theirinternal data indicates. A comparison of the internal data of thetracking devices to their actual distance from one another is executedby a read/write device or server to detect the lost quantity ofmaterial. The timing and location of this loss may also be determinedfrom the tracking data. For example, the previous reading by aread/write device is examined to determine that the spacing was correctand that as a result the leak or loss occurred between the currentread/write device and the previous read/write device. The system alsocan maintain data about the read/write devices including their locationand similar characteristics. This data can then be used to determine thelocation in conveyance or conduit of a leak or similar problem.

FIG. 10C is a diagram of an example of added materials being detected bythe system. A portion of the non-discrete good 1001E has been augmented.As a result, tracking devices 1003D and 1003E are further apart thantheir internal data indicates. A comparison of the internal data of thetracking devices to their actual distance from one another is executedby a read/write device or server to detect the added quantity ofmaterial. The timing and location of this loss is also determined fromthe tracking data and similar data about the system such as read/writedevice placements, conduit conditions and similar information.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system of routingnon-discrete goods using the tracking system. In one embodiment, thetracking system is used to route non-discrete goods through a transportmechanism. In the example, a first material A 1111 and second material B1113 are transported through a shared pipeline system. Tracking devices1101A are inserted into the pipeline system to mark the separation ofthe two materials.

A read/write device 1103, detects the tracking device 1103 indicating atransition from the transportation of one material A 1111 to anothermaterial B 1113. The tracking system utilizes this data to manage therouting of materials or to supply routing data to a routing mechanism.For example, the detection of transitions between materials may be usedto control a valve 1105 in the pipeline that manages the direction ofmaterials through the pipeline. In this way, the valve can be adjustedto direct material A 1111 to a first storage container 1107, while thematerial B 1113 is directed to a second storage container 1109.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of one embodiment of a system for detectingimproperly mixed non-discrete goods. In one example embodiment,materials with shared conveyance systems are monitored using thetracking system to detect improper routing or mixing of non-discretegoods. For example, a first material is routed from a first storagelocation 1201 to a second storage location 1203. A second material isrouted from a third storage location 1209 to a fourth storage location1211. Tracking devices are inserted into both materials. Read/writedevices 1205, 1213 may detect tracking devices associated with eachmaterial. A tracking device 1207 and the associated non-discretematerial that is misrouted will be detected by the read/write devices1205, 1213 and the transport of each material is examined to determinedthe cause of the misrouting and correct the problem.

In one embodiment, the tracking system is implemented as a set ofhardware devices. In another embodiment, these components areimplemented in software (e.g., microcode, assembly language or higherlevel languages). These software implementations may be stored on amachine-readable medium. A “machine readable” medium includes any mediumthat can store or transfer information. Examples of a machine readablemedium include a ROM, a floppy diskette, a CD-ROM, a DVD, flash memory,hard drive, an optical disk or similar medium.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes can be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: inserting a firstidentification device into a non-discrete good; sending anauthentication key to the first identification device in thenon-discrete good; receiving an acknowledgement from the firstidentification device indicating that a sender of the authentication keyhas been authenticated by the first identification device; sending adata request to the first identification device in response to receivingthe acknowledgement; receiving a response to the data request from thefirst identification device; determining a characteristic of thenon-discrete good from the response from the first identification deviceby a tracking system, the characteristic including location information;and determining, by a computer with a processor and memory unit, a lossof or addition to the non-discrete good by comparing the locationinformation to an expected location or an actual location for the firstidentification device.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:inserting a second identification device into the non-discrete good, thesecond identification device to provide additional data regarding thenon-discrete good.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:comparing an actual distance between the first identification device andthe second identification device with an expected distance between thefirst identification device and the second identification device at atime of insertion of the second identification device into thenon-discrete good.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:determining a rate of movement of the non-discrete good by determiningthe relative position of the second identification device to the firstidentification device and an elapsed time.
 5. The method of claim 2,further comprising: comparing data from the first identification devicewith data from the second identification device to verify an origin ofthe non-discrete good.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein thenon-discrete good is any one of a liquid, granular material and gas. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the first identification device hascharacteristics similar to the characteristics of the non-discrete goodincluding any one of density, weight, buoyancy and particle size.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: identifying an origin of thenon-discrete good through the first identification device.
 9. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: storing data about the non-discrete goodin the first identification device during transportation of thenon-discrete good.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstidentification device is a radio frequency identification device (RFID).11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inserting a thirdidentification device into another non-discrete good; and detecting animproper mixture of the non-discrete good and another non-discrete goodby detection of the first identification device and the thirdidentification device.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting a loss of the first identification device; and determining aportion of the non-discrete good that is lost based on the detected lossof the first identification device.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first identification device indicates a transition betweennon-discrete goods.
 14. A non-transitory machine readable medium havinginstructions stored therein, which when executed by a machine, cause themachine to perform a set of operations comprising: transmitting a firstmessage to an identification device in a non-discrete good including anauthentication key; receiving a second message from the identificationdevice in response to the first message, the second message includingdata indicating a characteristic of the non-discrete good thecharacteristic including location information; and detecting a mixing,misrouting, gain, or loss of the non-discrete good by tracking thelocation information and comparing the location information with anexpected location or an actual location for the identification device.15. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 14, wherein thefirst message wakes the identification device from a dormant state. 16.The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 14, having furtherinstructions stored therein, which when executed by a machine, cause themachine to perform a set of further operations comprising: storing datafrom the identification device in a database.
 17. The non-transitorymachine readable medium of claim 14, having further instructions storedtherein, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to performa set of further operations comprising: transmitting a third message tobe stored in the identification device.
 18. The non-transitory machinereadable medium of claim 14, having further instructions stored therein,which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform a set offurther operations comprising: tracking movement of the identificationdevice by analyzing the characteristic of the second message.
 19. Thenon-transitory machine readable medium of claim 14, having furtherinstructions stored therein, which when executed by a machine, cause themachine to perform a set of further operations comprising: accessing adatabase to update data related to the non-discrete good based on thesecond message.